We start from the Convent d’Agres recreational area, which has stone and wooden tables, a restaurant and a fountain. We will start the ascent on the left bank from which we will be able to see the Barranc del Molí and the town of Agres with its characteristic physiognomy, sliding down the slope of the mountain. In a few metres we will be at the foot of the sanctuary. The path, quite steep at first, goes into the shady village of Barranc de l’Assut, which joins the Barranc del Molí downstream, where the dam was built, in order to regulate the abundant flow. The path continues to rise, finding many crossings that have been opened up over the years; in order to avoid incipient erosion, we recommend always following the option of lesser gradient. We will cross the hillside colonized by an interesting Mediterranean scrub with Aleppo pine. Little by little we will realize the captivating panoramic view that emerges behind us.
We will cross a forest track that leads to the Teixera d’Agres ravine, but we will continue upwards, continuing along the path until we reach the vicinity of the Refugi del Montcabrer of the Centro Excursionista de Alcoy, where the Cava del Teix is located (built in the 18th century), and which goes practically unnoticed as it is completely covered in ivy. At this altitude it will be easy to find the charismatic and appreciated Mariola’s sage and the sharp blue diorno, well adapted to wind and frost. Crowning the top of the Molló del Teix, also known as Comptador, is the watch house. This point offers a privileged situation from where we can contemplate the colossal Montcabrer, the interior valleys of Mariola, Recingle and Cava Gran, Valleta d’Agres and the regions of the Vall d’Albaida and the coastal area, the Benicadell, the reservoir of Beniarrés and the Sabor al fondo, Albureca, Almudaina, la Serrella and Aitana.
To continue the itinerary we will follow the forest track which goes down in the south-west direction of the Cava Gran, Cava Grande or Arqueada, unmistakable symbol of this mountain range. Built between the 17th and 18th centuries, it was in use until the beginning of the 20th century, being used again occasionally during the Civil War. It is 11 m. deep and 15 m. in diameter, with six Gothic arches pointed at the ends of the outer hexagon and joined in the centre; this structure supported the beam and barrel vault, finished off with Moorish tiles. In its interior a vigorous yew tree can be seen. In this elevated sector of the mountain range, we find the priority habitat of many birds such as the raven, the blonde wheatear, the alpine accentor, the rare peasant bisbita; as well as birds of prey such as the small kestrel or the golden eagle. We will return to the refuge and take the forest track that goes down on the left in a north-westerly direction, allowing us to contemplate a very beautiful landscape with the Valleta d’Agres and the mountains that close it on the horizon.
Along the way we will find numerous species typical of Mediterranean scrubland with a shrubby stratum made up of juniper, kermes oak, gorse, rosemary, heather, rockrose and other smaller plants such as camomile edge, thyme and cat’s claw, colonising cracks and holes on the side of the path. As we descend, we can find signs of a marten, fox or wild boar. After several bends, the path passes by the fountain known in Agres as the Font del Tío Rufino, to end up crossing a paved track, which if you follow it to the left, will lead you to the Molí Mató recreational area, where one of the best Valencian examples of vegetation associated with fountains and springs is preserved, on a rough road of extraordinary dimensions. To return to the starting point, turn right, reaching the first houses of the village and continuing along the path of the Convent, flanked by monumental cypresses that welcome us again, in front of the cavities known as La Cova dels Bous.